The prevalence of young children “at risk” for later handicapping conditions

This study presents survey data bearing on the prevalence of young children (0–4) at risk for the development of handicapping conditions, and projects a method for operationalizing the assessment of risk in this population. A statewide survey of 1,551 families in Ohio was conducted through a telephone interview structured to identify young children at risk for the development of handicapping conditions. It was found that over a sixth (17.8 percent) of the 2,133 children were at risk for developing handicapping conditions, based on a criterion of the presence of at least two risk factors. Five percent of the children sampled were identified as having three or more risk factors present. The implications of these results for prevention and service planning are discussed.